Nestled into a secret hidden valley and just 12 mins from the popular and boutique Matakana Village. Once an artists workshop and homestead this 4-acre setting has been transformed into an exclusive luxury hideaway, only a 2min drive to the beach and stunning walks. Immaculate attention to detail, stylish interiors and beautiful landscaped gardens this is an idyllic place to escape, rest and indulge. Perfect for summer holidays or winter short breaks, couples, families and even bring your dog!

On arrival
Check in time is from 4pm and check out is 10.30am on day of departure. There is a coded key box for easy access.

On arrival you will receive a bottle of champagne and if you require flowers, wine, local oysters or other delights on arrival please contact hosts, Katherine and Adam, who will make the necessary arrangements (at extra cost after you have confirmed your booking).

The cottage is ideal for a romantic couples break and perfect for a family holiday. The luxurious upstairs master bedroom and single downstairs room plus optional sleep out with bunk beds comfortably hosts 2 or 5 persons and we even offer a special place for the family dog . We do not allow children under 6 years for safety reasons.

Sleeping
If you can tear yourself away from the twinkling stars then climb the stairs to the master bedroom and sink into a huge super king-sized bed. Every thought has gone into making your sleep perfect with crisp and cool luxury cotton bed linen, plump feather filled pillows and blankets and bedding to suit any temperature. And no need to share this room with any insects with clever roll down insect screens on all the windows. With beautifully decorated walls and carefully chosen interiors this is a room to relax the soul and forget about the real world. The only question will be, who’s turn is it to make breakfast in bed! An adjoining ensuite with luxury toiletries, rain shower and view across the lawns to the pond, completes this pampering sensation.

Downstairs is a cute room just off the living area complete with daybed, floor to ceiling mirror and small chest of drawers - this can be turned into a normal single bed and used as a small bedroom, on request only.

Bringing the whole family or a couple of friends? Why not book the sleep out, which is fully insulated with double glazing, ceiling fan and bunk beds (it also has wifi too!)

Fancy something indulgent, then take a book and soak up the serenity in the outdoor bathroom with a Victoria & Albert bath for two. For summer days spent at the beach, wash off salty skin and sandy toes in the alfresco shower. With plenty of hot and cold water on tap, the super-sized rain head will quickly relax and massage any tired limbs from a day’s adventure in the surf.

Kitchen and living
For those wanting to cook up a culinary delight the fully equipped kitchen has everything you need. Dining is simple: outdoors, outdoors, outdoors! With the sun creating a dancing dapple of light through the ancient eucalyptus and surrounding trees followed by the abundance of lavender, nodding their flowering heads of pink and purple in gratitude to the final rays of sun. This brings ‘dining on the deck’ to a new level of tranquillity and peace. For the full outdoor cooking and dining experience, enjoy canapés and a G&T whilst sinking into the Coast bean bag chairs and if it isn’t too much effort, light up the family sized Webber gas BBQ and eat and drink wine gathered from your days adventures – this is after all, food and wine Matakana!

Outdoor space
Songbird Cottage is set within in its own large landscaped gardens within the 4-acre grounds of Songbird Retreat, an exclusive wedding venue. Whilst staying at the cottage you will have exclusive use of the cottage garden and the rest of the grounds (there will be no weddings taking place during your stay), providing some beautiful areas for walking, relaxing and playing.

Whilst we allow children to stay by prior arrangement only, please be aware that there is a large pond in the grounds, without fencing and therefore not suitable for young children (under 6 years). Please enquire for further information prior to booking.

Dog friendly
We have enjoyed the outdoor space with our own dogs and we know that luxury accommodation is difficult to find when you want to take your dog with you on holiday. Here at Songbird Cottage we invite you to bring your dog, as long as he/she is over 1 years old, house trained and doesn't roam. There are some stunning dog friendly walks right on the doorstep and with dog friendly Matheson Bay (peak summer restrictions are access before 10am and after 5pm) just a 2 min drive or a 10 min walk along a bush clad boardwalk with waterfalls and Kauri, this is the perfect place to bring your 4-legged friend.

We have ponds, lots of wildlife and are host to all sorts of birdlife, which we want to encourage and protect. If your dog is a bird/duck chaser or likes to jump into ponds, this isn't the right place for them. The cottage garden is fenced with timber post and rail but there are large gaps under the fence so it is not dog proof. The rest of the grounds are also fenced but not secure.

We request that dogs sleep in the veranda area or their own secure basket in the downstairs living area. Climbing on the sofa and popping upstairs onto the bed is strictly prohibited.

Please enquire if you wish to bring more than one dog on your trip.

A few more things to mention
The 2 bathrooms comprise of an ensuite to the upstairs master bedroom, with an enclosed rain shower, small hand basin and toilet. Bathroom 2 is all about alfresco bathing, with a large bath set on the deck (big enough for 2!) and a separate luxury rain shower (the 2nd toilet is located in the laundry room along with the washing machine, tumble dryer and additional sink).

For those cosy winter evenings light the dinky wood burner in the living area, with plenty of logs available to keep the fire stoked. The cottage is north facing to catch as much of the sunshine and light as possible, but still remains a cool oasis in the heat of the summer months. Of course the heat pump/air conditioning can make it as perfect as you desire.

Parking is in abundance, with room for your boat or motorhome! Bring the toys too as the barn can securely store bikes, kayaks, SUPS, whatever your pleasure. With Matheson Bay a 2 minute drive or a 10 minute walk and Omaha beach and Pakiri within striking distance, this is a sea lovers paradise. Leigh boat ramp is available to launch from, free of charge, just a 5 min drive away.

A cleaning fee will be charged to maintain the immaculate presentation inside and out.

Key facitlities and features
Private north facing cottage with an optional single bedroom and/or separate sleep out
Dog friendly with dog friendly walks and beach nearby
Large beautiful landscaped gardens
En-suite toilet and shower
Outdoor bathroom with a large bath and a deluxe heated rain shower
House book – the insider’s practical guide to Songbird Cottage, where to go and what to do locally
A bottle of champagne on arrival
Nespresso coffee machine with pods
Coffee plunger with Matakana ground coffee
English Breakfast and Earl Grey tea
Basic larder condiments
Fruit from the orchard when in season
Matakana Botanical toiletries
White waffle bathrobes
Hairdryer
Egyptian cotton linen and towels
Beach towels
Twice filtered and UV treated rain and bore water
Double glazing with roll down insect screens (not on the over wall sliders)
Ecostore products
Wood burner
Endless supply of logs
Smart TV
Wifi
Boombox
Family size gas Webber BBQ
Parking for numerous cars and boats
Secure storage for outdoor gear